Product display support systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A combination of a floor surface, a metal structure, and a support system supports product. The metal structure is adapted to be supported by the floor surface defines a display surface and a door surface and further comprises a glass door arranged to allow product within the metal structure to be viewed through the door surface. The support system supports product for retail display from the metal structure. The support system comprises an accessory, a bottom portion, and a front portion. A magnetic portion is rigidly connected to the front portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/405,339filed Apr. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,052 issued May 20, 2008,which is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/766,075 filed on Jan. 28, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,131,546 issuedNov. 7, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for displayingproducts in a retail setting and, more specifically, to display supportsystems and methods that support products on metal product displaycases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to display rack systems for usein retail sales environments. The following discussion describes thepresent invention in the context of such display shelf on which productis arranged for display. The principles of the present invention may,however, be more broadly applied to other support structures for typesof product that are not typically displayed on shelves. The scope of thepresent invention should thus be determined by the claims appendedhereto and not the following detailed discussion.

Product display support systems, also sometimes referred to aspoint-of-purchase displays, are manufacture and sold in a large numberof configurations. Some point-of-purchase displays are free-standingunits, while others are adapted to be placed on or supported by astructural member such as a countertop. In a retail environment, productspace is at a premium, and at many retail stores point-of-purchasedisplays are placed at all feasible locations.

Retail stores often employ metal display cases for the display ofproduct. For example, refrigerated display cases are often used todisplay frozen products and products requiring refrigeration.Refrigerated display cases typically comprise a metal housing and aglass door. The metal housing defines a front or door surface, a rearsurface, left and right side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottomsurface. The door surface defines a door opening through which productis accessed, and the glass door conventionally covers the door opening.Typically, the product is visible through the glass door.

Metal display cases may be arranged side by side in a row facing anaisle or may be placed at the end of a row. In these situations, the atleast one of the metal left and right side surfaces may be exposed toconsumers. Because space is at such a premium in the retail environment,retailers would like to make use of the exposed side surfaces of a metaldisplay case. In the following discussion, either one of the sidesurfaces of a metal display case that is exposed to consumers will bereferred to as a display surface.

To make use of a display surface, a standalone display rack may beplaced on the floor adjacent to the display surface. However, astandalone display rack may occupy too much floor space for a givenenvironment and/or may not cover the entire display surface. Shelfcomponents may be screwed directly to the display surface or anotherpart of the display case. However, many display cases are insulatedand/or contain electrical components, and piercing the surface of thecase with a screw is undesirable.

The need thus exists for product display support systems and methodsthat allow display surfaces on metal display cases to be utilized in amanner that is cost effective and flexible.

RELATED ART

The following U.S. Patents were uncovered as part of a professionalpatentability search conducted on behalf of the Applicant.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,623 to Linehan discloses a storage system forrefrigerators in which two sheets are arranged on each side of therefrigerator. A strap extends over the top of the refrigerator betweenthe two side sheets. The side panels support each other through thestrap like saddle bags. The device disclosed in the Lineham patentrelies on friction and the weight of the opposite side sheets to supportthe device in a desired position on the refrigerator.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,569 to Rothing discloses a magnetic shelf that isattached to the side of a refrigerator. The magnets simply engage thevertical side of the refrigerator and thus would not carry significantweight.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,606 to Miller, Jr. et al. discloses the use ofsuction-type attachment assemblies to support a display rack from avertical surface.

The remaining patents simply relate to magnetic attachment systems andare not specifically designed for displaying or suspending items from ametal display case.

U.S. Patent Application No. US 2003/0031800 discloses a magnet equippedrack for tools and the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,229 to Adams discloses a clip assembly having amagnetic base and a flexible clip.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,305 to Ahearn discloses a tool pouch employingmagnets to attach the tool pouch to a metal structure such as a vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,281 to Johnson discloses a swivel bracket for amechanic's work tray. This swivel bracket has a magnetic attachment forsecuring the bracket to a metal surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,173 to Belokin discloses a magnetically attachabletowel hanger. The magnets are arranged to engage a vertical surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,616 to Cooper et al. discloses a utensil mountingbar having a magnet backing. The utensil bar may be adapted to support atowel rack, tool rack, or the like from vertical metal surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,017,036 to Albert et al. discloses a magnetic supportfor allowing towel racks, hooks, and the like to be attached to avertical metal surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,977,082 to Harris discloses a magnetic support having abolt assembly formed therein. The bolt assembly allows the metal supportto be used with a variety of different items. FIG. 6 is of interest inthat it engages a horizontal surface. In this embodiment, the support isattached to a paper holder for holding a sheet of paper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be embodied as a combination of a floorsurface, a metal structure, and a support system. The metal structure isadapted to be supported by the floor surface. The metal structuredefines a display surface and a door surface. The metal structurefurther comprises a glass door arranged to allow product within themetal structure to be viewed through the door surface. The supportsystem supports product for retail display from the metal structure. Thesupport system comprises an accessory adapted to support the product forretail display, a bottom portion, a front portion rigidly connected tothe bottom portion, and a magnetic portion rigidly connected to thefront portion. The front and bottom portions are rigidly connected suchthat the bottom portion extends at least partly along the displaysurface and the front portion extends at least partly along the displaysurface such that product within the metal structure may be viewedthrough glass door and the door surface. The front portion is adapted tosupport the accessory. The bottom portion is adapted to be supported bythe floor surface to transfer to the floor surface downward loads on thefront portion. The magnetic portion is adapted to be magneticallyattracted to the display surface of the metal structure to inhibitmovement of the front portion away from the display surface when thebottom portion engages the floor surface.

The present invention may also be embodied as the combination of a floorsurface, a metal structure adapted to be supported by the floor surface,and a support system. The metal structure defines a display surface anda door surface and further comprises a glass door arranged to allowproduct within the metal structure to be viewed through the doorsurface. The support system supports product for retail display from themetal structure. The support system comprises an accessory adapted tosupport the product for retail display, a bottom portion, a frontportion rigidly connected to the bottom portion, and a magnetic portionrigidly connected to the front portion. The front and rear portions arerigidly connected such that the front and bottom portions extend atleast partly along the display surface such that product within themetal structure may be viewed through the glass door and the doorsurface. The front portion is adapted to support the accessory. Thebottom portion is adapted to be supported by the floor surface totransfer to the metal structure downward loads on the front portion. Themagnetic portion is adapted to be magnetically attracted to the metalstructure to inhibit movement of the front portion away from the displaysurface.

The present invention may also be embodied as a method of displayingproduct for retail display comprising the following steps. A metalstructure defining a top surface, a display surface, and a door surfaceis provided. A glass door is arranged to allow product within the metalstructure to be viewed through the door surface. The metal structure isarranged on a floor surface. A support assembly is provided comprising afront portion rigidly connected to a bottom portion. A magnetic memberis rigidly connected to the front portion. The support assembly isarranged such that the bottom portion extends at least partly along thedisplay surface and engages the floor surface and the front portionextends at least partly along the display surface. A display accessoryis detachably attached to the front portion. Product is supported forretail display from the display accessory such that downward loadsexerted on the bottom portion by the product are transferred to thefloor surface by the bottom portion. The magnetic member is magneticallyattracted to the metal structure to inhibit movement of the frontportion away from the display surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a displaysupport system embodying, and constructed in accordance with, theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a display supportsystem embodying, and constructed in accordance with, the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the example display support systemdepicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a front portion of the display supportsystem depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the front portion of the displaysupport system depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a rear portion of the display supportsystem depicted in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the rear portion of the displaysupport system as depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view depicting another example display supportsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the display system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view depicting another example display supportsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a is a side elevation view of the display system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view depicting another example display supportsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the display system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view depicting another example display supportsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view depicting another example displaysupport system of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of yet another example display supportsystem of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing, depicted at 20 in FIG. 1 thereof is adisplay support system constructed in accordance with, and embodying,the principles of the present invention. The display support system 20is adapted to be supported by a metal structure 22.

The example display support system 20 is depicted supporting anaccessory 24 in the form of a wire support 26. The wire support 26 isshown supporting a plurality of products 28. The wire support 26 is notper se part of the present invention, may be conventional, and will bedescribed herein only to the extent necessary for a completeunderstanding of the present invention. The products 28 are illustratedas examples only, and other products with different packaging may besupported by the system 20.

The metal structure 22 is also not per se part of the present inventionand will be described briefly herein to provide a complete understandingof the present invention. The metal structure 22 defines a top surface30 and a display surface 32. The example metal structure 22 thus furtherdefines a door surface 34 and comprises a glass door 36 through whichproduct may be viewed and accessed. The metal structure 22 is generallyin the form of a box, and the top, display, and door surfaces 30, 32,and 34 form three adjacent sides of the box. An upper edge 38 is formedat the juncture of the top surface 30 and display surface 32.

The display support system 20 comprises a rear portion 40, a frontportion 42, and a magnetic portion 44. The rear portion 40 is adapted torest on the top surface 30 of the metal structure 22 adjacent to theupper edge 38. The rear portion 40 is rigidly connected to the magneticportion 44. The magnetic portion 44 magnetically engages the top surface30 of the metal structure 22 as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the frontportion 42 is rigidly connected to the rear portion 40 such that, whenthe magnetic portion 44 engages the top surface 30, the front portion 42extends along at least a portion of the display surface 32.

In use, at least part of the front portion 42 is arranged below the rearportion 40; typically, most of the front portion 42 is arranged belowthe rear portion 40 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The center of gravity ofthe support system 20, including any accessories 24 and products 28supported thereby, is thus typically arranged below the top surface 30along the display surface 32.

Under static conditions, the weight of the accessory 24 and any products28 supported thereby places a downward load on the front portion 42 ofthe display support system 20. Because the front portion 42 is rigidlyconnected to the rear portion 40, the rear portion 40 in turn transfersto the top surface 30 these downward loads on the front portion 42.

Outward lateral loads on the front portion 42 away from the displaysurface 32 may be created through various mechanisms. For example,lateral loads on the front portion 42 may be created by accidentaljostling of the front portion 42 or any accessories 24, hangers 26, orproducts 28. Such outward lateral loads tend to be momentary andrelatively light in comparison to the downward loads.

Friction between the top surface 30 and the rear portion 40 of thedisplay support system 20 will, to some degree, resist displacement ofthe system 20 due to outward lateral loads on the front portion 42thereof. However, the magnetic engagement between the magnetic member 44and the top surface 30 of the metal structure 22 significantly enhancesthe resistance to displacement of the system 20 caused by outwardlateral loads on the front portion 42.

The magnetic engagement between the magnetic portion 44 of the displaysupport system 20 and the top surface 30 of the metal structure 22 thusresists or prevents inadvertent displacement of the display supportsystem 20 relative to the metal structure 22 under typical outwardlateral loads on the front portion 42 of the display support system 20.However, the display support system 20 does not require modification ofthe metal structure 22 by, for example, the formation of screw holes inthe top surface 30 or display surface 32.

To remove the display support system 20, the user simply appliesdeliberate manual force on the front portion 42 of the system 20 todisengage the magnetic portion 44 from the top surface 30. The entiredisplay support system 20 can then easily be removed from or moved onthe metal structure 22.

With the foregoing general understanding of the construction and use ofthe invention as embodied in the example display support system 20, asecond embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, depicted therein is a second embodiment of adisplay support system 120 of the present invention. In the followingdiscussion, elements of the display support system 120 that are similarto those of the display support system 20 described above will beidentified by the same or similar reference characters increased by 100.

The example display support system 120 is depicted supportingaccessories 124 in the form of first and second brackets 126 a and 126b. The first and second brackets 126 are in turn shown supporting ashelf 128. An item to be displayed may be placed on the shelf 128. Thebrackets 126 and shelf 128 are or may be conventional and will bedescribed herein only to the extent necessary for a completeunderstanding of the present invention.

The example metal structure 122 defines a top surface 130 and a displaysurface 132. The example metal structure 122 is a refrigerated displaycase and thus further defines a door surface 134 and comprises a glassdoor 136 through which product may be viewed and accessed. The metalstructure 122 is generally in the form of a box, and the top, display,and door surfaces 130, 132, and 134 form three adjacent sides of thebox. An upper edge 138 is formed at the juncture of the top surface 130and display surface 132.

The example display support system 120 comprises a rear portion 140, afront portion 142, and a magnetic portion 144. The rear portion 140 isadapted to rest on the top surface 130 of the metal structure 122adjacent to the upper edge 138. The rear portion 140 furthermagnetically engages the top surface 130 as will be described in furtherdetail below. The front portion 142 is rigidly connected to the rearportion 140 such that, when the rear portion 140 engages the top surface130, the front portion 142 extends along at least a portion of thedisplay surface 132.

A display support system constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention can be made of a variety of materials and takeon a number of configurations. In the example display support system120, the front portion 142 comprises first and second vertical members150 and 152 and upper and lower lateral members 154 and 156 formed ofhollow metal tubes welded together in a generally rectangularconfiguration. Hollow metal tubes are readily available, lightweight,and durable, but the front portion 142 may be made from other materialssuch as plastic, wood, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hollow metal tubes that form the verticalmembers 150 and 152 define a front wall 160 in which a series of slotsor openings 162 are formed. As is conventional, the openings 162 allowtabs 164 extending from the brackets 126 to extend into interiorchambers 166 defined by the vertical members 150 and 152. The tabs 164engage the front wall 160 to secure the brackets 126 at desired verticallocations along the vertical members 150 and 152. The example brackets126 are arranged at substantially the same vertical level such that theshelf 128 is substantially level during normal use.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional bracketsmay be used to support additional shelves. Alternatively, accessories124 other than (or in addition to) brackets may be supported from thefront portion 142 of the display support system 120.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a wire hanger may be used to support anumber of product packages in a back-to-front orientation from a wirehanger. Such wire hangers can be formed to engage the front portion 142of the display support system 120 using tabs such as the tabs 164 usedby the brackets 126.

As another example, clips are often used to grip an upper edge of apackaged product. The clips may be used singly but are often arranged ina vertical row. Such clips may be secured, either singly or in apre-structured vertical row, to the front portion 142 of the displaysupport system 120. Tabs such as the tabs 164 of the brackets 126 may beused to support the clips or gangs of clips.

The front portion of a display support system of the present inventioncan take many forms and need not take the form of the example frontportion 142 described above. For example, in a simple configuration, thefront portion 142 may comprise a single horizontal or vertical memberadapted to engage one or more types of desired accessories 124.Alternatively, instead of discrete vertical and horizontal members, thefront portion may comprise a sheet of material such as cardboard orplywood adapted to engage one or more types of desired accessories 124.Or instead of a rectangular arrangement of straight vertical andhorizontal members, the front portion may be made of curved or angledmembers in a more fanciful shape.

The rear portion of a display support system of the present inventionmay also take on a number of different forms depending upon theparticular application. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, theexample rear portion 140 comprises a mounting portion 170 comprisingfirst and second spacing members 172 and 174. The example spacingmembers 172 and 174 are metal sheets in which first and second throughholes 176 and 178 are formed.

The mounting portion 170 further comprises a mounting member 180 thatextends between the spacing members 172 and 174. The example mountingmember 180 is a metal sheet, and the first and second spacing members172 and 174 are welded to opposite ends of the mounting member 180.

The mounting portion 170 may be made of other materials in otherconfigurations. For example, the mounting portion 170 can be made ofplastic or wood and take on other shapes. In addition, instead ofdiscrete spacing and mounting members 172, 174 and 180, the mountingportion 170 can be formed of a single molded or milled member.

In the example display support system 120, the magnetic portion 144comprises first and second magnetic members 182 and 184 that are securedto a bottom surface 186 of the mounting member 180. The example magneticmembers 182 and 184 are in the form flat magnetic sheets having a widthdimension that is approximately the same as a width dimension of themounting member 180. The length of the example magnetic members 182 and184 is approximately one-third the length of the mounting member 180. Inthe example rear portion 140, the magnetic members 182 and 184 are gluedto opposite ends of the mounting member 180 such that a middle one-thirdof the bottom surface 186 thereof is not covered by a magnetic member.

The nature, quantity, and configuration of the magnetic members 182 and184 can take on a number of forms depending upon the precise nature ofthe rear portion 140 of the display support system 120 and theaccessories 124 to be suspended therefrom.

In addition, the magnetic members 182 and 184 can be secured to themounting member 180 by means other than adhesives. For example a shallowchannel or socket may be formed in the mounting member for the magneticmember or members. The magnetic members may also be embedded orlaminated in the mounting member.

With the example support system 120 described above, the mounting member180 of the rear portion 140 indirectly engages the top surface 130through the magnetic members 182 and 184. In other configurations, therear portion 140 may directly engage the top surface 130.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, illustrated therein are first andsecond bolts 190 and 192. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the bolts 190and 192 are received in first and second threaded openings 194 and 196to secure the rear portion 140 to the front portion 142.

The rear portion 140 may be rigidly attached to the front portion 142using means other than threaded bolts. For example, as in the firstembodiment 20 described above, the rear and front portions 140 and 142may be integrally formed with each other. As another example, the rearand front portions 140 and 142 may be separately formed and the rigidlyconnected by adhesives, welding, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawing, depicted therein is asecond embodiment of a display support system 220 of the presentinvention. The display support system 220 is adapted to be supported bythe structure 122 described above.

The example display support system 220 is depicted supportingaccessories 224 in the form of basket shelves 226. The basket shelves226 each define engaging portions 228 a and 228 b. An item to bedisplayed may be placed on the shelf 226. The basket shelves 226 are ormay be conventional and will be described herein only to the extentnecessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

The example display support system 220 comprises a rear portion 230, afront portion 232, and an upper magnetic portion 234. The rear portion230 is adapted to rest on the top surface 130 of the metal structure 122adjacent to the upper edge 138. The upper magnetic portion 234 of therear portion 230 further magnetically engages the top surface 130 aswill be described in further detail below. The front portion 232 isrigidly connected to the rear portion 230 such that, when the rearportion 230 engages the top surface 130, the front portion 232 extendsalong at least a portion of the display surface 132.

A display support system constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention can be made of a variety of materials and takeon a number of configurations. In the example display support system220, the front portion 232 comprises first and second vertical members240 and 242 and upper and lower lateral members 244 and 246 formed ofhollow metal tubes welded together in a generally rectangularconfiguration. Hollow metal tubes are readily available, lightweight,and durable, but the front portion 232 may be made from other materialssuch as plastic, wood, or the like.

The hollow metal tubes that form the vertical members 240 and 242 definea front wall 250 in which a series of slots or openings 252 are formed.As is conventional, the openings 252 allow tabs 254 extending from theengaging portions 228 a and 228 b of the basket shelves 226 to extendinto interior chambers 256 defined by the vertical members 240 and 242.The tabs 254 engage the front wall 250 to secure the brackets 226 atdesired vertical locations along the vertical members 240 and 242. Theexample engaging portions 228 a and 228 b are arranged at substantiallythe same vertical level such that the shelf 226 is substantially levelduring normal use.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional bracketsmay be used to support additional shelves. Alternatively, accessories224 other than (or in addition to) brackets may be supported from thefront portion 232 of the display support system 220. For example, a wirehanger as described above with reference to FIG. 1 may be used tosupport a number of product packages in a back-to-front orientation froma wire hanger. As another example, clips as generally discussed abovemay be to grip an upper edge of a packaged product.

The front portion of a display support system of the present inventioncan take many forms and need not take the form of the example frontportion 232 described above. For example, in a simple configuration, thefront portion 232 may comprise a single horizontal or vertical memberadapted to engage one or more types of desired accessories 224.Alternatively, instead of discrete vertical and horizontal members, thefront portion may comprise a sheet of material such as cardboard orplywood adapted to engage one or more types of desired accessories 224.Or instead of a rectangular arrangement of straight vertical andhorizontal members, the front portion may be made of curved or angledmembers in a more fanciful shape.

The rear portion of a display support system of the present inventionmay also take on a number of different forms depending upon theparticular application. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the example rearportion 230 comprises a mounting portion 260 comprising first and secondspacing members 262 and 264. The example spacing members 262 and 264 aremetal sheets that are welded or otherwise secured to the upper lateralmember 244.

The example mounting portion 260 comprises first and second uppermounting plates 266 and 268 to which first and second magnetic members270 and 272 forming the magnetic portion 234 are secured. The examplemagnetic members 270 and 272 are in the form flat magnetic sheets havingdimensions that are approximately the same as the dimensions of theupper mounting plates 266 and 268. In the example rear portion 230, themagnetic members 270 and 272 are glued to the upper mounting plates 266and 268, respectively.

The nature, quantity, and configuration of the magnetic members 270 and272 can take on a number of forms depending upon the precise nature ofthe rear portion 230 of the display support system 220 and theaccessories 224 to be suspended therefrom.

In addition, the magnetic members 270 and 272 can be secured to theupper mounting plates 266 and 268 by means other than adhesives. Forexample a shallow channel or socket may be formed in the mounting platesfor the magnetic member or members. The magnetic members may also beembedded in or laminated to the mounting plates.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawing, depicted therein is avariation 220 a of the second embodiment of a display support system 220described above. The display support system 220 a is constructed andused in a manner that is similar to the display support system 220 aspreviously described. However, in addition to the upper magnetic portion234, the display support system 220 a comprises a lower magnetic portion280 comprising a plurality of lower magnets 282 and lower mountingplates 284. The lower mounting plates 284 are rigidly connected to oneor both of the vertical members 240 and 242 by welding, gluing, or thelike.

The mounting plates 284 allow the lower magnets 282 to be securedrelative to the vertical members 240 and 242 so that the magnets 282,when the display support system 220 a is supported by the structure 122as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, engage the display surface 132 of thestructure 122. As the display surface 132 is typically made of amagnetically attractable material such as metal, the magnets 282magnetically secure positions of the vertical members 240 and 242relative to structure 122.

Thus in addition to the magnetic attraction between the upper magneticportion 234 and the upper surface 130, a magnetic attraction is formedbetween the magnetic portion 280 and the display surface 132. Thecombination of these magnetic attractions secures the display supportsystem 220 a relative to the structure 122. Gravitational loads on thedisplay support system 220 a are carried by the rear portion 230 asgenerally described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, depicted therein is a variation 120 aof the first embodiment of a display support system 120 described above.The display support system 120 a is constructed and used in a mannerthat is similar to the display support system 120 as previouslydescribed. However, the example display support system 120 a does notemploy an upper magnetic portion 134, instead using only a lowermagnetic portion 290 comprising a plurality of lower magnets 292 andlower mounting plates 294. The lower mounting plates 294 are rigidlyconnected to one or both of the vertical members 140 and 142 by welding,gluing, or the like.

The mounting plates 294 allow the lower magnets 292 to be securedrelative to the vertical members 150 and 152 so that the magnets 292,when the display support system 120 a is supported by the structure 122as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, engage the display surface 132 of thestructure 122. As the display surface 132 is typically made of amagnetically attractable material such as metal, the magnets 292magnetically secure positions of the vertical members 240 and 242relative to structure 122.

Thus, instead of being magnetically attracted to the upper surface 130,a magnetic attraction is formed between the magnetic portion 290 and thedisplay surface 132. The magnetic attraction between the magneticportion 290 and the display surface 132 secures the display supportsystem 120 a relative to the structure 122. However, gravitational loadson the display support system 120 a are still carried by the rearportion 140 as generally described above.

Referring now to FIG. 14, depicted therein is a yet another embodimentof a display support system 320 of the present invention. The exampledisplay support system 320 is depicted supporting accessories 324 in theform of a plurality of vertically spaced basket shelves 326 from theexample metal structure 122 described above, with the metal structure122 being supported by a floor surface 328. One or more items to bedisplayed may be placed on the shelves 326. The shelves 326 are or maybe conventional and will be described herein only to the extentnecessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

The example display support system 320 comprises a bottom portion 330, afront portion 332, and a magnetic portion 334. The bottom portion 330 isadapted to rest on floor surface 328. The magnetic portion 334magnetically engages the display surface 132 as will be described infurther detail below. The front portion 332 is rigidly connected to oris integrally formed with the bottom portion 330 such that, when thebottom portion 330 engages the floor surface 328, the front portion 332extends along at least a portion of the display surface 132.

A display support system constructed in accordance with the principlesof the present invention can be made of a variety of materials and takeon a number of configurations. In the example display support system320, the front portion 332 comprises first and second vertical members340 and 342 and upper and lower lateral members 344 and 346 formed ofhollow metal tubes welded together in a generally rectangularconfiguration. Hollow metal tubes are readily available, lightweight,and durable, but the front portion 332 may be made from other materialssuch as plastic, wood, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hollow metal tubes that form the verticalmembers 340 and 342 define a front wall 350 in which a series of slotsor openings 352 are formed. As is conventional and generally describedabove, the openings 352 allow tabs extending from the shelves 326 toextend through the openings 352 defined in the front walls 350 of thevertical members 340 and 342. The tabs engage the front wall 350 tosecure the shelves 326 at desired vertical locations along the verticalmembers 340 and 342. The example shelves 326 are arranged at spacedvertical levels such that the shelves 326 are substantially level duringnormal use.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional bracketsmay be used to support additional shelves. Alternatively, accessories324 other than (or in addition to) brackets may be supported from thefront portion 332 of the display support system 320.

The front portion of a display support system of the present inventioncan take many forms and need not take the form of the example frontportion 332 described above. For example, in a simple configuration, thefront portion 332 may comprise a single horizontal or vertical memberadapted to engage one or more types of desired accessories 324.Alternatively, instead of discrete vertical and horizontal members, thefront portion may comprise a sheet of material such as cardboard orplywood adapted to engage one or more types of desired accessories 324.Or instead of a rectangular arrangement of straight vertical andhorizontal members, the front portion may be made of curved or angledmembers in a more fanciful shape.

The bottom portion of a display support system of the present inventionmay also take on a number of different forms depending upon theparticular application. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 14, the examplebottom portion 330 is formed by the bottom ends 340 a and 342 a of thevertical members 340 and 342. The vertical members 340 and 342 thuscarry gravitational loads on the support system 320.

In the example display support system 320, the magnetic portion 334comprises a plurality of magnetic members 360 that are secured tomounting plates 362. The example magnetic members 360 are in the form offlat magnetic sheets having dimensions that are approximately the sameas the dimensions of the mounting plates 362. In the example supportsystem 320, the magnetic members 360 are glued to the mounting plates362. The nature, quantity, and configuration of the magnetic members 360can take on a number of forms depending upon the precise nature of thedisplay support system 320 and the accessories 324 to be suspendedtherefrom.

In addition, the magnetic members 360 can be secured to the mountingplates 362 by means other than adhesives. For example a shallow channelor socket may be formed in the mounting plates for the magnetic memberor members. The magnetic members may also be embedded in or laminated tothe mounting plates 362.

Referring now to FIG. 15 of the drawing, depicted at 320 a therein is avariation of the display support system 320 described above. The displaysupport system 320 a does not employ a magnetic portion 334; instead, amounting flange 370 is rigidly connected to the upper lateral member344. A mounting hole 372 is formed in the flange 370. A screw (notshown) or other fastening device may be passed through the hole 372 andinto the display surface 132 to secure a position of the upper lateralmember 344 relative to the device 122. However, gravitational loads arestill carried by the lower ends 340 a and 342 a of the vertical members340 and 342.

FIG. 16 of the drawing illustrates another example display supportsystem 420 of the present invention. The display support system 420takes the form of a basket portion 422 and a magnetic portion 424. Thebasket portion 422 is or may be conventional and is designed to hold anddisplay a wide variety of products.

The magnetic portion 424 comprises a plurality of magnet members 430 andmounting plates 432. The mounting plates 432 are rigidly connected tothe basket portion 422, and the magnet members 430 are rigidly connectedto the mounting plates 432. The rigid connection between the mountingplates 432 and the basket portion 422 is formed by welding, but otherconnections may be used. The magnet members 430 are rigidly connected tothe mounting plates 432 by gluing, lamination, or the like, but otherconnections may be used.

From the foregoing, it should be clear that the present invention may beembodied in forms other than those described above. The above-describedsystems are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative andnot restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by theappended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes thatcome within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to beembraced therein.

1. A combination of: a floor surface; a metal structure adapted to besupported by the floor surface, where the metal structure defines adisplay surface and a door surface, and the metal structure furthercomprises a glass door arranged to allow product within the metalstructure to be viewed through the door surface; and a support systemfor supporting product for retail display from the metal structure, thesupport system comprising: an accessory adapted to support the productfor retail display, a bottom portion, a front portion rigidly connectedto the bottom portion, and a magnetic portion rigidly connected to thefront portion; whereby the front and bottom portions are rigidlyconnected such that the bottom portion extends at least partly along thedisplay surface, and the front portion extends at least partly along thedisplay surface such that product within the metal structure may beviewed through glass door and the door surface; the front portion isadapted to support the accessory; the bottom portion is adapted to besupported by the floor surface to transfer to the floor surface downwardloads on the front portion; and the magnetic portion is adapted to bemagnetically attracted to the display surface of the metal structure toinhibit movement of the front portion away from the display surface whenthe bottom portion engages the floor surface.
 2. A combination asrecited in claim 1, in which the front portion is substantially parallelto the bottom portion.
 3. A combination as recited in claim 1, in whichthe front portion is adapted to support at least one accessory on whichproduct is arranged.
 4. A combination as recited in claim 3, in whichthe accessory is a wire support.
 5. A combination as recited in claim 1,in which the accessory comprises a shelf bracket.
 6. A combination asrecited in claim 1, in which the front portion defines a plurality ofslots for receiving tabs extending from the accessory.
 7. A combinationof: a floor surface; a metal structure adapted to be supported by thefloor surface, where the metal structure defines a display surface and adoor surface, and further comprises a glass door arranged to allowproduct within the metal structure to be viewed through the doorsurface; and a support system for supporting product for retail displayfrom the metal structure, the support system comprising: an accessoryadapted to support the product for retail display, a bottom portion, afront portion rigidly connected to the bottom portion, and a magneticportion rigidly connected to the front portion; whereby the front andbottom portions are rigidly connected such that the front and bottomportions extend at least partly along the display surface such thatproduct within the metal structure may be viewed through the glass doorand the door surface; the front portion is adapted to support theaccessory; the bottom portion is adapted to be supported by the floorsurface to transfer to the metal structure downward loads on the frontportion; and the magnetic portion is adapted to be magneticallyattracted to the metal structure to inhibit movement of the frontportion away from the display surface.
 8. A combination as recited inclaim 7, in which the front portion is substantially parallel to thebottom portion.
 9. A combination as recited in claim 7, in which thefront portion is adapted to support at least one accessory on whichproduct is arranged.
 10. A combination as recited in claim 9, in whichthe accessory is a wire support.
 11. A combination as recited in claim7, in which the accessory comprises a shelf bracket.
 12. A combinationas recited in claim 7, in which the front portion defines a plurality ofslots for receiving tabs extending from the accessory.
 13. A combinationas recited in claim 7, in which the magnetic portion is formed on thefront portion and is magnetically attracted to the display surface ofthe metal structure.
 14. A method of displaying product for retaildisplay comprising the steps of: providing a metal structure defining atop surface, a display surface, and a door surface; arranging a glassdoor to allow product within the metal structure to be viewed throughthe door surface; arranging the metal structure on a floor surface;providing a support assembly comprising a front portion rigidlyconnected to a bottom portion; rigidly connecting a magnetic member tothe front portion; arranging the support assembly such that the bottomportion extends at least partly along the display surface and engagesthe floor surface, and the front portion extends at least partly alongthe display surface; detachably attaching a display accessory to thefront portion; and supporting product for retail display from thedisplay accessory such that downward loads exerted on the bottom portionby the product are transferred to the floor surface by the bottomportion, and the magnetic member is magnetically attracted to the metalstructure to inhibit movement of the front portion away from the displaysurface.